It had bothered him for more than a year, with driving at night and reading becoming more difficult. Yet, with no health insurance coverage, Lopez couldn't afford surgery.

That is, until Monday.

An eye surgeon from Loma Linda, Calif., performed the surgery for free inside a renovated medical recreational vehicle in downtown Phoenix.

Lopez, of Phoenix, wasn't the only one receiving a Christmas blessing.

Frank Lopez, of Phoenix, visited the free healthcare clinic to have a cyst removed from his eye. He lined up at 6:15 a.m., he said.(Photo: Craig Harris/The Republic)

Thousands of people obtained free medical and dental care inside the Phoenix Convention Center, courtesy of Your Best Pathway to Health, a humanitarian service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Loma Linda University Health and other donors.

Lopez said he got in line at 6:15 a.m., hoping he would receive treatment.

After filling out paperwork in the morning, Lopez went to a triage center and was scheduled for surgery by late afternoon.

"This is my present. This is the best present," he said.

Dr. Julio Narvaez said he was happy to treat Lopez. Narvaez, also a professor at Loma Linda University, said he's also done volunteer work in Zambia, Fiji and Rwanda, and he was thankful that someone had donated a medical RV, which also was inside the Convention Center.

"I'm a Christian, and it's part of my duty. It's a privilege to do this," Narvaez said. "They wouldn't be here if they had insurance."

The event will run through Wednesday at the Convention Center. Doors open at 7 a.m. both days, and services end at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and at noon on Wednesday.

No appointment is necessary.

Camping out, long lines and a variety of services

Not only are medical services offered at the event, haircuts and beard trims are also offered.(Photo: Craig Harris/The Republic)

Some residents camped out on Christmas Eve in order to be one of the first in line on Monday. Organizers are encouraging those who want treatment to come before the doors open to ensure they receive care.

A pharmacy is on site, where patients can receive a three-month supply of prescription medicine, as well as a surgery center, where patients can be treated for hernias and cyst removals.

The organization also offers spiritual and counseling services as well as clothing and haircuts.

Larry Hood, 75, came from Folsom, W.V., to cut hair and trim beards.

"It seemed like the right thing to do," Hood said.

Yet, Hood added, he was taken aback with how many people came for help.

"It's hard to believe there are this many who have needs," he said.

Enno Mueller, a spokesman for Your Best Pathway To Health, said the organization hopes to serve 8,000 to 9,000 people and deliver more than $30 million in free health-related services.

“We wanted them to serve and see that Christmas isn't just about presents.”

Cindy Magan

He said Your Best Pathway To Health came to Phoenix to carry on the church's mission of ministry and humanitarian service.

"The more we can serve, the better." Mueller said.

He added that patients who need follow-up care or need to pick up glasses can do so for free at Valley health centers that are part of the program.

Everyone working the three-day event is doing so for free and covering their travel, lodging and meal costs.

Andy and Cindy Magan, nurses from Colfax, Calif., brought their three daughters. Their two young teenagers also assisted patients, and the younger one spent the day with other children, who took part in a kids' program.

"We wanted them to serve and see that Christmas isn't just about presents," Cindy Magan said.